Doro PhoneEasy 740

artcab 20 April 2013

Comment: 1.For starters this slider phone exudes quality and has a lovely weighty feel to it
2. A very clever, though not very colourful overlay of Doro's in-house operating system. With none of the faff and difficulty you get with other makes running Android.
3. Android has been tamed by this very easy to use system, which is just as suitable for every age group - not just senior's.
4. For most it is easy but you may need to check out what Doro's 'experience' means. It means you can use their system for downloading apps, but there are not very many of them.
5. The menu system is deliberately simple - it works amazingly well - but they should build in choices of colour backgrounds and flash wallpaper. They should also tweak the start-up time, which is far too long.
6, The camera is very good but has a shutter lag - but you get used to it and compensate for it. Lots of camera adjustments - flash, zoom, and a side on-off button for convenience.
7.Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Easy to set up too!
8.Works with any browser in any part of the world
9.Assistance (emergency) button on the back which would be a very good feature for any female who found herself in a compromising situation - Or anyone who found themselves lost or ill. It sends up to 3 emails directly to 3 different people - prewritten!
10.There is no video on this phone and to me this is a BIG mistake! However, it will not be long before video is introduced as its a basic requirement for young and senior. Although I have no authority to say so officially. But surely it must come?
11.The internet and web browsing is superb and there is a Wi-Fi connection as well as the usual network contract data plan.
12.Flight mode, magnifier, Calculator, Alarm, Daily reminder, Calendar, Radio, HEADPHONES SUPPLIED.
13.Email and conventional text messaging - all very easy to set up.
14. Battery life seems reasonable - all day at least. Much more if you use it less often.
15 It has a neat charging dock which is pretty cool - I like this very much.
My only downside side with the marketing of this phone is that its entirely acceptable for anyone
to use and I find DORO'S sales pitch patronizing and condescending. For instance they are assuming all seniors need simplicity, which is rubbish, and if they were making a phone for seniors they would realise that a slider phone is the last design they should use for people who have stiff fingers or have the shakes. My friend found it almost impossible to slide the phone up and I instantly thought about clam shell, which this phone should have been.
They have actually gotten a superb piece of kit which lacks apps but that's all it lacks, and as such is a very high quality phone experience.
When they put video on it and make all the Android apps available they will have a real winner.
I find apps a particular nuisance on a phone so I carry a dedicated device - an Apple I-pod touch.
I also prefer taking vid's with a proper camera so these things don't worry me that much.
The main point here, is that the Doro 740 exudes quality but is unfortunately just missing out without video and the ability to have access to android apps - if you need them.
This phone is a superb experience other than my few grumbles and Doro should start marketing to the younger market too as I'm sure when they sort out the apps and video everyone will want one of these phones.
I give it a 9 - narrowly missing a 10
My conclusion is that the phone should have be clam shell for seniors because of the reasons stated. The phone is not necessarily for seniors although most will like it, some will find the slider difficult to use. Don't dismiss this phone for seniors only. TAKE A CLOSE-UP LOOK - its a pretty cool piece of kit, and feels a quality product. I LOVE IT! and it comes very close to ideal. I am 76 years old but would have bought this had I been 30.

Tony.j 15 April 2013

Good: Just right for those who want Android simplicity

Bad: Don't know yet-will let you know!

Comment: Well done Doro,you have found a good marketable product. I intend to purchase in due course. Anthony James

Sparkle 30 December 2012

Comment: Release of this product in the UK was delayed due to an error with a couple of sim cards. A new date should be announced next month. As of October this year, the suggested retail price was £290.00.

It looks very good and I would definitely consider getting one, but
I would want to know more about it, eg, personal experience of customers, and I would want more options than just buying outright.